Wearing gloves on the plane

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, I know ebola is not much of a risk. But we are flying from DC to LA in a few weeks. In researching viruses and bacteria on planes, I read articles on how little planes, including tray tables and bathrooms, are really cleaned, and how tests showed that all kinds of strange germs are present.

I definitely plan to bring some Clorox wipes and wipe down armrests, buckles, tray tables. That seems like a good idea, ebola aside, for all the other random germs that can collect there.

But would you go out of your way to stare at me if I wore some gloves on the plane -- maybe some white cotton ones (or black leather?) What is less obtrusive? My son loves wearing his Spiderman costume, with gloves, so I figure he may as well wear that on the plane so that he doesn't suck his thumb.

The thing is, those planes go everywhere -- and someone with sweat, spit, vomit, or poop on their hands could have transferred from W. Africa. I know that the virus shouldn't spread much in the US, but if you are one of the unlucky ones to be on the front line of contact, it certainly could spread to you.

Thoughts?

Yes, I would stare at you and I would think you are a paranoid loon. Lady, do you know how many people have flown today and NOT come down with some crazy virus? Sure, wipe down the tray table if you like. But do not wear gloves. As a PP noted, all you have do is touch your eyes or mouth one time. Studies have shown that food handlers who wear gloves are not necessarily reducing any risks. They touch door handles and garbage with the gloves on. The key to minimizing the spread of harmful bacteria, whether as a food handler or as a person on the plane is good hand washing. Warm water and regular soap are great. Hand sanitizer also works great.

[Anonymous]

You are all great. I like the mad model cover story. But maybe a lot of hand sanitizer will cut it.

[Anonymous]

I'm more worried about riding the metro during rush hour!

[Anonymous]

You need to unclench, OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm more worried about riding the metro during rush hour!

No kidding--so much coughing going on.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is weird to be paranoid about being exposed to germs on an airplane, but I do think it is weird that OP is only concerned about ebola. OP, you are not going to get ebola on the airplane.

[Anonymous]

What do you do when you are home? Going grocery shopping, to a public bathroom, restaurant, gym, spa, etc. The list is endless. I think you are a bit too paranoid. if you are unsure, drive. And yes, I would look at you AND your spiderman kid and shake my head.

[Anonymous]

wipe down your area if that makes you feel better and bring some kind of alcohol wipe for your hands if you feel like you come in contact with something particularly germy that wasn't already wiped. I think the gloves are overkill and I'm a germaphobe.

[Anonymous]

Please don't let me be the third person in the row with you and your kid. . . I would have to take your picture - kinda like those People of Walmart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don't let me be the third person in the row with you and your kid. . . I would have to take your picture - kinda like those People of Walmart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:wipe down your area if that makes you feel better and bring some kind of alcohol wipe for your hands if you feel like you come in contact with something particularly germy that wasn't already wiped. I think the gloves are overkill and I'm a germaphobe.

Agree. Assuming you don't have a compromised immune system (eg cancer), I really think you are seriously paranoid. If you really don't want to get sick, make sure you stay hydrated and take some saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moisturized. That will help protect you more than gloves, which per PP, don't necessarily protect you.

[Anonymous]

Why would gloves be any better than just washing your hands, especially since you can wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer), oh, 500 times during a flight, when you can't clean your gloves, and your gloves that touch all the gross germs will touch your book/iphone, pens, kids pacifier, etc. Are you going to throw away everything of yours that the gloves touched?

[Anonymous]

Make sure you wear gloves at your hotel, too. Don't touch any light switches or remote controls. Stay away from any large gatherings (malls, tourist attractions, etc.). Wear nose plugs and goggles if you decide to swim in the ocean. Never enter a shower without thongs. Don't put your clothes or suitcases on anything other than tile surfaces in the hotel, so that you don't bring the bed bugs home. Bring your own sheets and change them daily to prevent bed bugs. Only drink bottled water and check the cleanliness ratings of every restaurant before eating.

Other than that, just enjoy and have a great time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:wipe down your area if that makes you feel better and bring some kind of alcohol wipe for your hands if you feel like you come in contact with something particularly germy that wasn't already wiped. I think the gloves are overkill and I'm a germaphobe.

Agree. Assuming you don't have a compromised immune system (eg cancer), I really think you are seriously paranoid. If you really don't want to get sick, make sure you stay hydrated and take some saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moisturized. That will help protect you more than gloves, which per PP, don't necessarily protect you.

I have a compromised immune system and even I don't wear gloves. I do carry a mask with me, but I only use it if I am within about one row of someone who is actively coughing. I'm around germs everyday. I touch grocery carts, door handles, etc. Just wash your hands thorough and stay safe.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you could shop here and buy yourself one of their outfits. You may want to wear it all of the time...
http://4albeco.com/protective-suits/